Veteran handler Michael Cunningham was in reflective mode after he bridged a gap to his last winner, back in 2011, when helping champion jockey Pat Smullen to another 100 for the season, on Marise (16/1), in the finale on polytrack, the Christmas Party Nights At Dundalk Handicap.

County Meath-based Galway native Cunningham said: "I had my first winner here in 1971, a horse called Vow, owned by my wife, and ridden by the then champion Johnny Roe. It was good to get the current champion here as the rider won it tonight as she was drawn 12.

"She won a maiden for Tom (McCourt) and that was a much better race than this. Then we had her sold but she didn't pass the vet.

"Every time she ran she got yielding or soft ground and she wants firm."

Marise came through from mid-division to lead a furlong out and she went on for a half length success over Poitin

(MG & EM)